Another major Austin restaurant closure shakes South Congress corridor

Another major Austin restaurant closure shakes South Congress corridor

South Congress is losing another iconic establishment. Opal Divine's has announced that its Penn Field location will close on December 31.

"The restaurant/bar dynamic in South Austin has changed in the 11-plus years that this location has been open. Austin's 'Keep Austin Weird' fascination is fading into a search for the latest and greatest new restaurant/bar/concept and [co-owners Michael and Susan Parker] feel it is time to let this location pass on," reads a statement from the team.

The Penn Field location opened in 2005 with Opal Divine's trademark lineup of approachable cuisine, whiskey, and craft beer. The largest Opal Divine's, it was also the most expensive, a contributing factor to the closure.

This is the third closure to rock the homegrown restaurant chain. In 2013, the original Opal Divine's closed after 13 years on West Sixth Street, and the outpost at Davenport Village shuttered in 2015. The former is now home to Steampunk Saloon.Opal Divine's Marina location on Mopac is the only outpost remaining.